The National Institute of Health conducted studies in 2004-2006 on the effectiveness of Xolair (Omalizumab), an anti-IgE medication given by injection, on Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis. I was one of the patients in this study. I was in the study from November of 2004 through May of 2005.  During this time I was able to reduce my corticosteroid use dramatically but was not allowed to stop it due to study protocols.

Since then I have received a prescription from my local allergist  for Xolair and now get an injection once per every 3 weeks. I am now down to 10mg of prednisone every other day, with an occasional increase for a week or so. I am almost completely symptom free. I rarely worry about what I am going to eat and feel much better on lower dosages of prednisone.

This drug is available for the treatment of asthma. Many doctors have considered this drug a miracle for many of their asthma patients. I have spoken to doctors and patients who have recieved it for asthma who no longer need their steroids or have reduced their steroid use.

Insurance coverage may or may not be possible for Xolair if you do not have asthma as that is the only condition it is officially approved for. However, I was able to get coverage through the appeals process with Blue Shield and the help of my Doctors at the NIH and the Sansum Santa Barbara Medical Foundation Clinic.

Xolair is not for everyone, so mention it to your doctor and tell them to visit this site and they can always contact the NIH for more information.

Xolair home page

ANTI-IGE page

Click here for the NIH Study Information